Developmental effects of electromagnetic fields

Abstract

This paper reviews experimental studies on the effects of radiofrequency (RF), extremely low frequency (ELF), and intermediate frequency (IF) electromagnetic fields on animal development. Numerous studies have shown that RF fields are teratogenic at exposure levels sufficiently high to cause significant increase of temperature. There is no consistent evidence of RF field effects at nonthermal exposure levels. Only a few studies have evaluated possible effects on postnatal development using sensitive endpoints, such as behavioral effects. ELF electric fields up to 150 kV/m have been evaluated in several mammalian species. The results are rather consistent and do not suggest adverse developmental effects. The results of studies on ELF magnetic fields suggest effects on bird embryo development, but not consistently in all studies. Results from experiments with other non-mammalian experimental models have also suggested subtle effects on developmental stability. In mammals, most studies have shown no effects of prenatal exposure to ELF or IF magnetic on gross external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. The only finding that shows some consistency is increase of minor skeleton alterations in several experiments. Taken as a whole, the results do not show robust adverse effects of ELF and IF fields on development. However, additional studies on the suggested subtle effects on developmental stability might increase our understanding of the sensitivity of biological organisms to weak low-frequency magnetic fields.

The Effect of Electromagnetic Fields with the Mg<sup>2+</sup> Cyclotron Frequency on Mouse Reproductive Performance

“…These results confirm the results of previous studies that have been performed on rats and mice that were chronically exposed to electromagnetic fields [3]- [23]. The only noticeable histological finding among the offspring was an instance of hydrocephalus, which was observed in one exposed pup.…”

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Fish and Invertebrates: Task 2.1.3: Effects on Aquatic Organisms - Fiscal Year 2011 Progress Report - Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy

“…The EMF was generated using Helmholtz coils of a design similar to that described in Section 2 (although smaller in scale). This finding is in general agreement with those observed using other non-fish vertebrate models that suggest EMF exposure can alter the timing of developmental processes (Juutilainen 2005). Lerchl et al (1998) reported that brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) exposed for 45 min to a 0.04-mT EMF (pulsing DC current, 800 ms off and 200 ms on) significantly increased the nighttime melatonin levels in both plasma and the pineal gland.…”

The Sensitivity of Children to Electromagnetic Fields

“…Results from experiments with other nonmammalian experimental models (fish, sea urchins, and insects) have also suggested subtle effects on developmental stability. 32 In mammals, prenatal exposure to ELF magnetic or electric fields does not result in strong adverse effects on development. Some effects of magnetic (or combined electric and magnetic) fields on postnatal development have been reported, but evaluation of the consistency of the findings is difficult because of the varying methods and approaches used in different studies.…”